Politics cast shadow on Bahrain economy

As elections scheduled for 22 November approach, the kingdom of Bahrain remains bitterly divided. The main opposition parties confirmed on 11 October that they would boycott the polls, a decision that was not unexpected but which scuppers any hopes that the election might reinforce the government narrative that Bahrain is stable and on a path of economic recovery.While the boycott will be viewed as a setback by Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad, who has been leading attempts to restart dialogue, others in the royal family will use the decision as further proof that the opposition is obstructionist.